Commencement

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Virtual Celebration & Conferring of Degrees

President Biddy Martin hosted a virtual celebration for the class of 2020 on Sunday, May 31 at 11 a.m. EDT.

Class of 2020 Virtual Celebration

May 31, 2020

Our senior celebration included video messages from the community, an appearance by the student commencement speaker, a performance by the Choral Society, and a surprise special guest. Read transcript.

David Hansen, the Julian H. Gibbs 1946 Professor of Chemistry, tells the class of 2020, “You should be so proud of yourselves.” Background photo by Maria Stenzel.

Vanessa Fong, professor of anthropology, tells the graduates that they are part of a “history-making, history-changing cohort.” Background photo by Maria Stenzel.

Catherine Epstein, provost and dean of the faculty, reminds the graduates of the in-person ceremony that will take place in 2021. Background photo by Maria Stenzel.

Virtual rounds of applause for the class of 2020.

President Biddy Martin opens the live portion of the celebration from her home on campus, welcoming and congratulating the class of 2020 and their families and friends.

President Martin invites all the seniors to open their gift boxes. Each box contains, among other things, a letter from BIddy, a mortarboard hat, a stuffed mammoth, Ruth Bader Ginsburg tea, and an Amherst mug.

Stanley Oscar Dunwell III, the peer-selected student commencement speaker, greets classmates while in character for each of his four years at Amherst.

Stanley experiences WiFi trouble! Oh no!! Not to worry. Biddy helps out and Stanley is good to go!

“We did it!” Stanley Dunwell exclaims. He goes on to say, “Amherst gave us what we needed to become the people we are today.”

Coordinated by Choral Director Arianne Abela, members of the Amherst Choral Society from the classes of 1957-2023 sing “Three Gifts,” a tradition at Commencement and Convocation.

A virtual but very purple degree is awarded in “A Mammoth Graduation.”

President Biddy Martin dons regalia to officially confer the degrees to the class of 2020.

Since our seniors can’t be here in person to accept their degrees, College staff placed a sign on the main quad for every graduating senior. Photo by Jiayi Liu.

Congratulations, class of 2020! We are so proud of each and every one of you, and look forward to seeing you in 2021 for your on-campus Commencement.

Don’t Call It a Commencement

President Biddy Martin

May 31, 2020

With this year’s graduation exercises postponed, Amherst conferred degrees on seniors during the virtual “Celebration of the Class of 2020.” The event featured remarks from President Biddy Martin and Stanley O. Dunwell III ’20, and one surprise appearance.

On-Campus Commencements in 2021

In the spring of 2021, Amherst College will hold two distinct commencements, one for the class of 2021, and an in-person Commencement for the class of 2020. Confirmation of the exact date will be shared with families as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I watch the virtual celebration?

The virtual celebration for the class of 2020 will be live-streamed here on this page (shortcut: Amherst.edu/go/2020), and a recording of the event will be posted within a few days. The live stream will be publicly viewable (no log in required).

Will the names of the graduates be read during the online event?

We are saving the reading of names for the on-campus event in spring 2021, however, the names of the class of 2020 will scroll on the screen at the conclusion of the event so that each graduate can note their individual achievement.

When do students wear their caps and gowns?

Regalia for the class of 2020 will be provided when graduates return to campus for the 199th Commencement in spring 2021. A mortar board (graduation cap) and tassel will be mailed to all seniors for the celebration of the class of 2020 on Sunday, May 31, to the address provided for their diploma.

When will graduates receive their diplomas?

Graduates will receive their diplomas in late June to the mailing address they provided to the Registrar's Office using NameCoach. The diplomas will be dated May 31, 2020.

Where Can I Purchase Graduation Announcements and Diploma Frames?

Herff Jones has been authorized to offer personalized announcements and diploma frames for graduating Amherst seniors. Additional information can be found at www.herffjones.com/graduation. Amherst College diplomas are 10"x13".

When will the on-campus Commencement for the Class of 2020 be held?

The exact date has not been determined, but we are planning to hold the on-campus Commencement for the Class of 2020 in spring 2021. We will determine the exact date as soon as we can.

First-Gen Trailblazers Celebration

Contact Us

Austin Huot, Commencement director, and the staff in the office of conferences and special events (CASE) coordinate the annual Commencement activities. Please contact CASE at (413) 542-2845 or events@amherst.edu if you have questions about Commencement.